Posted by Jeremy DeWitt on 06/09/09 12:50 PM

Our objective from the beginning was to determine whether Congressman Boswell (D - Iowa 3) was willing to co-sponsor HR 1207 and we were not going to accept anything other than a definitive yes or no. 

The first thing our members did was to call the congressman's offices and ask for an answer as to whether or not the Congressman would sign onto the bill as a co-sponsor.  We were told that they would pass the message on to the Congressman and that he would get back to us with an answer.   

We determined that it would be good to let them know that we were serious about getting an answer so we sent out a notice asking our members to meet at the Congressman's office to inform them about HR 1207 and ask for our Congressman to be a co-sponsor of the bill.

A group of about 15 Campaign for Liberty members met at the Congressman's office and expressed their concerns about the Federal Reserve System and the lack of accountability when it comes to our government's monetary policy.  (See the story here:  http://www.campaignforliberty.com/blog.php?view=17050)  Our opinions were welcomed by the staff members but we were once again told that the Congressman would be informed of our opinions and they would let us know one way or another where the Congressman stood on the issue.

We also happened to have a booth at the county gun show prior to our office visit where we promoted Campaign for Liberty and were able to secure many more petitions asking for the congressman to co-sponsor HR 1207. 

Within a week or so, some of the members who went to the office received a letter in the mail from the Congressman that basically said he would keep our views in mind if the full house considered the legislation.  This sounded like a "no" but we were determined to get a specific answer about whether he was willing to co-sponsor HR 1207.

One member was able to talk with one of the chief staff members in the Congressman's Washington D.C. office who was very helpful and through a direct yet cordial approach was able to build a rapport with the staff member and secure a commitment from him to get an answer on the question of whether or not the Congressman would be willing to co-sponsor HR 1207.  The CFL member always made sure to follow up with the staff member and if there were no results would politely ask when they should check back with him to see if he was able to speak with the Congressman to get an answer. 

After some conflicts of the Congressman's schedule the staff member was able to speak with the Congressman who had some questions as to how it would affect local banks in Iowa but said he was otherwise open to being a co-sponsor.  Once again, the staff member asked the CFL member to check back with them in a week once they were able look into it a little further.  Surprisingly, within about 30 minutes the CFL member received a call from the staff member and was told that their concerns were alleviated because after a brief investigation they realized it would not affect local banks and the Congressman was now willing to be a co-sponsor! 

Incredible news!  Through the efforts and perseverance of the Iowa Campaign for Liberty members Iowa's 3rd District Congressman has added his voice to the many voices in Congress who are now seeking transparency from the Federal Reserve Bank!

We still have 3 Congressmen in Iowa who have not heard enough of our voices yet and have been unwilling to take a stand regarding HR 1207!  We need to turn up the effort on these remaining Congressmen and make sure that we secure a bipartisan victory with 5 Iowa congressmen as co-sponsors of HR 1207!

Posted 06/09/09 12:23 AM groffcole Des Moines, IA

When I heard the news, I got very excited! It's a great feeling to know that our actions actually made a difference.

Posted 06/09/09 12:19 PM belikebunce Knoxville, IA

They keep telling us that the system works... Now we have results to show it.

Posted 06/09/09 1:01 PM Nate5176 Mechanicsville, VA

Awesome Post! Gave me good ideas to get my REP behind it! Because apparently emails and phone calls aren't sufficient enough!

Posted 06/09/09 1:35 PM groffcole Des Moines, IA

Now is the time to make sure and thank Boswell himself, and the staff we directly worked with. Once I see his name officially on the list, I may go down to his office and thank Sally personally. This is sooooo exciting!

Posted 06/09/09 1:40 PM David Fischer Altoona, IA

Great job, Jeremy - and all the supporters in Iowa's 3rd who worked so hard on this! This really underscores what can be accomplished with: 1. A positive and non-partisan tact, 2. Face time and one-on-one interaction, 3. Plenty of diligence. Everyone's determination to follow through on this made the difference. Congratulations!

Posted 06/09/09 2:49 PM Drew Ivers Webster City, IA

Jeremy: You're the Man! So much of political success is just "grinding it out" with followup followup followup. I see you found the winning formula. Your model is one for others to emulate. Thanks a bunch, Drew

Posted 06/09/09 3:16 PM groffcole Des Moines, IA

I think it would be important to write thank-you notes to the congressman and some of the staff we dealt with. Does anyone know where to address letters?

Posted 06/09/09 3:16 PM Aurelia Los Angeles, CA

Their resistance is futile. It definitely can be done inside the system and this gives me, and probably many others as well, a lot of encouragement. It's easy to doubt this sometimes.

Posted 06/09/09 3:37 PM Jeremy DeWitt Des Moines, IA

I am planning on delivering some more petitions to his office that we received at the home schooling conference this past weekend and delivering them as "Thank You's" from his constituants since he has already signed on. I also thought about bringing some cookies over to the staff members to show our appreciation. If anyone is interested in going with send me a message. I'm thinking of going this Friday afternoon.

Posted 06/09/09 4:18 PM jeremy esposito Bellflower, CA

Great job!

Posted 06/09/09 4:32 PM bachristian Eau Claire, WI

I need some help in WI. Congressman Ron Kind has given me the same response twice. I have emailed twice, not the same email but the congressmen only seems to have one response to my two emails. Dear David: Thank you for contacting me about the Federal Reserve Transparency Act of 2009, H.R. 1207. I appreciate hearing from you on this issue. The Federal Reserve System serves as the central bank of the United States. The Federal Reserve itself is an independent agency that formulates the nation's monetary policy, supervises and regulates banks, and provides financial services to depository instituations and the federal government. The entity is comprised of the presidentially appointed Board of Governors, the Federal Open Market Committee, and twelve regional privately-owned Federal Reserve banks located in major cities throughout the nation. The Federal Reserve Transparency Act of 2009, H.R. 1207, would audit the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Federal Reserve banks. Although I have consistently supported greater transparency in government, I also believe that the Federal Reserve plays a key role as a non-partisan agency, and it should be protected from excessive political and industry pressures. Now more than ever, we must support the Federal Reserve's mission and the current measures being taken to help our ailing economy. H.R. 1207 has been sent to the House Financial Services Committee for review. If it comes before the full House for a vote, I will be sure to keep your thoughts in mind. Again, thank you for contacting me. Please do not hesitate to be in touch with additional comments or concerns. I also encourage you to visit my website, www.kind.house.gov, where you can find updated information, sign up to receive my electronic newsletter, and send me e-mail. Sincerely, Ron Kind Member of Congress What action should I take and who can help get this congressman to use his head. Please help. D. Kyle Christner SDG

Posted 06/09/09 4:33 PM groffcole Des Moines, IA

Jeremy, I would like to go with you on Friday. I'll send you a message.

Posted 06/09/09 6:43 PM RyanMcAlister Arcadia, IA

Congressman Steve King's reply to me was similar to Ron Kind's reply. I am surprised and disappointed that he has not yet co-sponsored. I sent a second e-mail. Who can go with me to his office?

Posted 06/09/09 8:36 PM David Fischer Altoona, IA

Congressman Steve King (R - Iowa 5) has just signed on as a co-sponsor of HR 1207! Three down, two to go. Let's get to work on Braley and Loebsack!

Posted 06/09/09 8:40 PM gmassi001 Des Moines, IA

WAY TO GO GUYS!! Thats two Iowa Congressmen down and three to go! Your persistence payed off and you have proven what the Campaign for Liberty Revolution is capable of achieving! THE REVOLUTION CONTINUES!

Posted 06/09/09 8:45 PM gmassi001 Des Moines, IA

WOW!!!!! I can't even get keep up with how fast our congressmen are co-sponsoring H.R.1207. By the time I had posted my last response, Congressman King had gotten on board! THREE DOWN and TWO MORE TO GO! THE REVOLUTION CONTINUES!

Posted 06/10/09 08:50 AM salvinian Des Moines, IA

When AJ Spiker sent me an email with the heads up, I was thrilled. Nothing like results to reward our hard work! Nice blog, Jeremy.

Posted 06/10/09 1:37 PM shooter348 Buffalo, WY

Great work!